Time, teamwork anchor Augustana University science complex

May 30, 2017

Alanna EggersDesigner

Wouldn’t it be great if the life of an interior designer was 100-percent design? Design is what I am most passionate about. It’s why I go to work every day, but one of the best parts of the challenge is I always get the opportunity to learn something new.

I estimate about 60 percent of my job is to respond to RFPs (requests for proposal) and furniture inquiries. During the bidding stages of a project, I work to follow proper protocol and work through many (many!) details of the project.

Sometimes the bid specs are in our favor and sometimes they aren’t … part of our world. However, finding furniture alternates or “equal to” can help us source the quality product and often save the end user money.

I invested a significant amount of time working through the details of the Froiland Science Complex project at Augustana University. The Canfield Business Interiors team and I developed a bid for four large furniture packages with this project. I was ecstatic when I learned we were awarded two of them.

Working with TSP Inc. was a great experience. TSP has an incredible design team and I enjoyed working in partnership with the firm. In addition to helping with the decision-making, I presented options for finishes, handled some of the logistics and worked to ensure their project was executed as professionally as possible.

The process takes time and I am happy to report that this large bid was successful for our team and the TSP team, and it ultimately fulfills the vision of leaders at Augustana University. The building anchors an important corner in our great city, and it is gratifying to know that alumni can be proud of the facility and future students can enjoy it for years to come.

Bid projects take plenty of time and attention, and it is great to see this finished project where the customer was served in a timely manner and on budget – not to mention our product looks amazing!